LUXEMBOURG (AP) Russia retained its lead in Group F of qualifying for the World Cup finals by routing Luxembourg 4-0 on Friday.
Alexander Samedov put Russia ahead by scoring from inside the box nine minutes into the game, and Viktor Faizulin connected with Roman Shirokov's precise cross from the right to double the lead from close range in the 39th. Denis Glushkov made it 3-0 with a low shot from 12 meters two minutes into first-half injury time, and Alexander Kerzhakov completed the rout in the 74th.
Russia leads the group standings with 21 points after nine games. Portugal, which was hosting Israel in a later match, has 17 points after eight.
On the final day of qualifying on Tuesday, Russia will travel to Azerbaijan while Portugal will host Luxembourg.
